Never Sign a Blank Document, Attorney Warns Estate Constables

Attorney Ronnie D. Edwards has issued a warning to precepted estate constables, advising them never to sign documents containing blank spaces.

In a legal advisory video, Edwards highlighted several types of documents workers should examine carefully before signing, including disciplinary forms, resignation letters, deduction authorisations and contracts.

He warned that leaving blank spaces on a signed document could create the possibility for information to be inserted afterwards.

As a precaution, Edwards advised workers to write “N/A” across every blank space, place their initials beside it and then sign the document. He also encouraged workers to request their own copy immediately after signing rather than waiting until a later date.

According to Edwards, retaining a copy provides workers with a record of exactly what appeared on the document when it was signed.

Edwards also referenced Saunders v Anglia Building Society, a House of Lords case concerning the limited circumstances in which a person may seek to avoid the legal effect of a document they have signed.

He used the case to emphasise the importance of carefully reviewing documents before placing a signature on them and warned workers against relying on the courts to resolve problems that could have been avoided before signing.

The advice forms item 12 of Before You Sign, a free guide written by Deryck Richardson, President of the Estate Police Association, in collaboration with Edwards.

The guide is specifically intended for precepted estate constables. Edwards noted that unprecepted officers are covered by a separate guide and different legal provisions.

Edwards encouraged estate constables to obtain the free PDF from Estate Police Association representatives, read the material and understand their responsibilities before signing workplace documents.

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